Turkmenistan consistently promotes its national environmental strategy, placing a high priority on environmental protection, sustainable natural resource management, and climate change adaptation. The policy of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov focuses on the practical implementation of international commitments, including the provisions of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
As a result of ongoing efforts, the Karakum Desert, covering approximately 350,000 km², is becoming a territory of sustainable development and ecological transformation. A key project in this context is the creation of the artificial lake “Altyn Asyr”, which contributes to improved water supply and the expansion of pasture and agricultural lands. The canal system exceeds 2,600 km in length, and the developed area spans more than 1.3 million hectares.
Particular attention is given to the preservation of biodiversity, including 293 plant species of the desert, of which more than 200 have medicinal properties.
Another priority area is the development of renewable energy sources. In line with the Development Concept for the Turkmen Lake Zone for 2019–2025, a 10 MW hybrid solar and wind power plant has been commissioned, providing energy supply under desert climate conditions.
At major international platforms such as the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) and the “One Water” Summit (Saudi Arabia, December 2024), Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to international environmental cooperation and presented practical results of its national environmental policy.
Source: Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan
